Driver For Morris-Based Bus Co. Faces Sex Assault Charges

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Authorities in Morris County have charged a 70-year-old bus driver with several counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities allege the defendant, Thomas Thomasevich, 70, of Oakland, "committed acts of sexual contact" with two girls while working as a driver for Butler-based First Student Bus Company in the presence of other students, the Morris County Prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Thomasevich has been charged with two second-degree count of Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A., two third-degree counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. and six fourth-degree counts of Cruelty & Neglect of Children in violation of N.J.S.A.

First Student Bus Company responded to the arrest in a statement sent via email to Patch.

"At First Student, there is nothing more important than the safety of the students we transport," the statement read. "First Student is partnering with local authorities to support their investigation of the matter; we also are conducting our own internal review. Consistent with our standard process, the driver was immediately removed from service pending the outcome of the investigation. Given that this is an active investigation, we are unable to comment further."

A Morris County Sheriff's Office spokesperson declined to share further information about the case.

Anyone with more information about this case is asked to call the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Kinnelon Borough Police Department at 973-835-5400.